even among some democrats like senate majority leader harry reid. he was asked this weekend if he would support it. >> i don't know, i didn't vote for the assault weapons last time because it didn't make sense. but i'll take a look at it. i think everyone acknowledges we should do something with background checks. >> reporter: president obama seemed to acknowledge a law requiring background checks for all gun purchases is more likely to clear congress. >> the vast majority of americans, including a majority of gun owners, support requiring criminal background checks for anyone trying to buy a gun. >> reporter: but the nra is not on board. >> i think what they'll do is turn this universal check on the law abiding into a universal registry of law-abiding people. >> reporter: that wasn't always wayne la pierre's position. a group of more than 800 mayors ran this ad in washington, d.c. during the super bowl. drawing attention to the group's past support for universal background checks. >> no loopholes anywhere for anyone. >> reporter: and president obam